A deal to end a bitter dispute which sparked wildcat strikes across the country has been agreed after lengthy talks.

The agreement thrashed out between union leaders and employers of contract staff at the Lindsey oil refinery in North Lincolnshire will be put to a mass meeting at the site.

Sources said the deal involved the reinstatement of 647 workers at the oil refinery sacked for taking unofficial action in protest at the laying off of 51 employees by a sub-contractor. It is believed the 51 workers will also be offered jobs as part of the agreement.

Unions have also won assurances that thousands of workers at power stations and oil and gas terminals who took sympathy industrial action will not be victimised.

Les Bayliss of Unite said: "Following hours of detailed negotiations, we now have proposals for a return to work that the unions will put to the members at Lindsey.

"Employers have agreed reinstatement of sacked workers. The details will be put to the workforce on Monday morning."

The GMB union said workers will be recommended to accept the deal and call off the unofficial strike.

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